If you're looking for the best highlighters to achieve that perfect, glowing, luminous finish, then look no further. We've collected a list of the top highlighters on the market, from liquid to powder to cream, and everything in between.
If you want a more natural, dewy look, then liquid highlighters are the way to go. Some of the best liquid highlighters available include the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector and the NARS Illuminator. For a more intense highlight, try a powder highlighter like the Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter or the Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit.
But if you're on a budget, don't worry! There are plenty of affordable options out there, like the L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Amour and the Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder. And for those who want something a bit more unique, try one of the indie highlighters on our list.
For those willing to splurge, luxury highlighters like the Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Duo or the Chanel Poudre Lumiere Highlighter are worth the investment. And for those who want a multi-use product, we've got you covered with both liquid and powder options that can be used on your face, eyes, and lips.
So whether you're going for a subtle glow or a striking highlight, these top highlighters will help you achieve the perfect luminous finish.
Liquid Highlighters
Liquid highlighters are perfect for creating a dewy, natural-looking glow that can be built up for a more intense highlight. These types of highlighters are great for those with dry or mature skin, as they don't emphasize texture or fine lines like some powder highlighters can.
Some of the best liquid highlighters on the market include the iconic Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, which comes in a variety of shades to suit different skin tones. Another popular option is the Nars Illuminator, which has a lightweight, silky texture and can be mixed with foundation or applied on its own.
For a more affordable option, check out the L'Oreal True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator, which comes in several shades and can be found at most drugstores. Another great drugstore option is the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator, which gives a beautiful, shimmery finish.
If you prefer a more natural and organic option, check out the RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, which is made with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and is free of synthetic fragrances and preservatives.
To apply liquid highlighter, simply dab a small amount onto the high points of your face such as your cheekbones, brow bones, and down the bridge of your nose. Blend it out with a brush or your fingers for a seamless, natural glow.
Powder Highlighters
If you're looking for a powder highlighter that will give you that intense, lit-from-within glow, you won't be disappointed with these top picks:
- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter: This cult-favorite powder highlighter comes in a wide range of shades, making it perfect for any skin tone. Its finely milled texture ensures a smooth, seamless application that blends effortlessly into the skin.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Highlighter: This limited edition highlighter is a true showstopper. Its golden champagne shade with a metallic finish is perfect for those looking to make a statement with their highlight.
- Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter: Rihanna knows how to make a killer highlighter, and this powder formula is no exception. Its buildable formula allows for a subtle glow or a blinding highlight, depending on your preference.
When applying a powder highlighter, use a fluffy brush and apply it to the highpoints of your face, such as your cheekbones, nose, and cupid's bow. Just make sure to blend it well to avoid any harsh lines.
If you're looking for a more natural, subtle glow, try applying your powder highlighter with a damp makeup sponge. This will give you a more seamless, blended highlight that looks like it's coming from within.
No matter how you choose to apply it, a powder highlighter is a must-have in any makeup collection. It's versatile, long-lasting, and can take any look from simple to stunning in just a few swipes.
Budget-Friendly Highlighters
Who says you have to spend a lot of money to achieve a radiant glow? You can still achieve luminous skin without breaking the bank. Here are some budget-friendly highlighters that are worth a try:
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighter | $4.99 |
| Maybelline Master Chrome Highlighter | $9.99 |
| NYX Born to Glow Highlighter | $9.00 |
| Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Glow Highlighter | $8.99 |
These highlighters are not only affordable, but they also deliver exceptional results. The Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighter is a cult-favorite for its buttery texture and impressive color payoff. Maybelline Master Chrome Highlighter is another popular choice that will give you a blinding shine. The NYX Born to Glow Highlighter is perfect for achieving a natural-looking glow. Lastly, Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Glow Highlighter is a drugstore favorite that is perfect for anyone on a budget.
In conclusion, you can still achieve a luminous, radiant glow without spending a lot of money. These budget-friendly highlighters are just as good as their high-end counterparts and won't break the bank.
Drugstore Highlighters
Who said quality comes with a high price tag? Here are some of the best drugstore highlighters that won't break the bank:
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder | This powder highlighter comes in a range of shades and gives a long-lasting, shimmering effect | $4.99 |
| Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter | This highlighter has a metallic finish that gives a beautiful, radiant glow | $9.99 |
| ELF Baked Highlighter | This baked highlighter gives a luminous glow with a hint of shimmer | $4.00 |
If you're looking for a subtle, natural-looking glow, the Physician's Formula Butter Highlighter is a great choice. It has a creamy, smooth texture and adds a healthy-looking radiance to the skin.
For a more intense highlight, try the L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator. It comes in a range of shades to suit all skin tones, and has a silky, smooth finish that gives a stunning luminosity to the skin.
With these drugstore highlighters, you can achieve that perfect glow without breaking the bank!
Indie Highlighters
If you're tired of the same old mainstream highlighters, it's time to switch things up and try out some indie options. Indie highlighters often offer unique shades and formulas that you won't find anywhere else, giving you a truly one-of-a-kind glow.
One indie brand to check out is Fyrinnae, which offers a variety of loose powder highlighters in shades like “Ghostly Voice” (a pale lavender with blue sparkles) and “Center Stage” (a warm pink with gold sparkles). The brand also offers duo-chrome highlighters that shift colors depending on the lighting.
Another great option is the brand Looxi Beauty, which offers both pressed and loose highlighters in a variety of shades. Their shade “Voodoo” is a standout, offering a unique green shift with gold shimmers. Looxi Beauty also offers a customization option where you can create your own unique highlighter shade by mixing and matching different tones.
If you're a fan of cream highlighters, check out E.L.F. Cosmetics' “Jelly Pop Dewy Face Gloss.” This indie option is perfect for creating a “wet” look on your skin, thanks to its jelly-like texture. It also comes in a unique shade called “Icy Pop,” which is a cool blue with silver shimmers.
Indie highlighters are not only unique in their shades and formulas but also in their packaging. Some indie brands offer highlighters in fun shapes and designs, like the “Rainbow Wishes” highlighter from indie brand Clionadh Cosmetics, which comes in a rainbow swirl pattern.
- Fyrinnae loose powder highlighters in unique shades
- Looxi Beauty pressed and loose highlighters with a customization option
- E.L.F. Cosmetics' “Jelly Pop Dewy Face Gloss” for a unique wet look
- Clionadh Cosmetics' “Rainbow Wishes” highlighter in a fun rainbow swirl pattern
If you want to stand out from the crowd and have a highlighter that truly reflects your unique style, indie highlighters are the way to go. With so many options available, you're bound to find the perfect one that will give you a one-of-a-kind glow.
Luxury Highlighters
When it comes to luxury highlighters, you definitely get what you pay for. These high-end products are often made with high-quality ingredients and packed with pigments that deliver a stunningly radiant glow. If you're someone willing to splash out on a highlighter, you won't regret investing in one of these premium choices.
If you're looking to amp up the glam factor even further, consider the YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch. While technically not a highlighter, this cult product is a go-to for adding a subtle, radiant sheen to the face, and the sleek packaging is a definite bonus.
Other high-end highlighters worth trying include the NARS Illuminator in the shade “Super Orgasm,” which is a stunning peachy-pink hue with flecks of gold shimmer, and the Hourglass Ambient Metallic Strobe Lighting Palette, which features three metallic shades that deliver an intense, multi-dimensional effect.
- Tom Ford Soleil Highlighting Glow Stick
- YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch
- NARS Illuminator in “Super Orgasm”
- Hourglass Ambient Metallic Strobe Lighting Palette
When it comes to luxury highlighters, the options are endless. These products are often formulated with high-quality ingredients, offer an intense glow and come packed with a lot of pigment that delivers value for your money. So go ahead and indulge in one of these premium highlighters for an ultimately sophisticated and glowing look.
Cream Highlighters
Cream highlighters are a great option for achieving a natural-looking radiance. They blend seamlessly into the skin and can be applied with your fingers or a brush. Here are some of the best cream highlighters to try:
| Product | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Maybelline Master Chrome Jelly Highlighter | $10.99 | – Lightweight |
| NudeStix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color | $32.00 | – Long-wear |
| Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up Cream-to-Powder Highlighter | $30.00 | – Blends easily |
Maybelline's Master Chrome Jelly Highlighter is a great affordable option that provides a subtle, yet stunning glow. NudeStix's Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color gives a natural-looking flush to the cheeks, while Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up Cream-to-Powder Highlighter blends seamlessly into the skin with a radiant finish.
Cream highlighters also work well with other makeup products, such as blushes and bronzers, for a complete makeup look. Give cream highlighters a try for a gorgeous, natural-looking radiance.
Stick Highlighters
If you're always on-the-go and need a highlighter that's easy to apply and touch up, stick highlighters are the perfect option for you. These highlighters come in a compact form and are easy to carry in a makeup bag or purse. Here are some of the best stick highlighters available:
- Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick: This highlighter stick comes in a range of shades to suit all skin tones and has a creamy, blendable formula that gives a natural-looking glow. It's also versatile and can be used as a blush or even as a lipstick.
- Milk Makeup Highlighter Stick: This vegan and cruelty-free highlighter stick has a unique holographic, duo-chrome finish that's perfect for adding a pop of color and shimmer to your complexion. It also has a hydrating formula that nourishes the skin.
- Maybelline Master Strobing Stick: This drugstore highlighter stick is affordable and effective. It has a creamy, lightweight texture that's easy to blend and build up for a more intense highlight. It also comes in a range of shades to suit different skin tones.
These stick highlighters are not only easy to use, but they also provide a natural-looking glow that can be built up for a more dramatic effect. Whether you're at the office or on-the-go, these highlighters will give you a luminous finish that lasts all day.
Pot Highlighters
If you prefer using your fingers to apply highlighter, pot highlighters are an excellent option. These creamy formulas can be easily blended into your skin for a natural-looking glow. Here are some of the best pot highlighters to try.
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Maybelline Facestudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter | This highlighter has a buttery texture that blends seamlessly into your skin. It provides a beautiful, metallic finish that will leave you looking radiant. | $9.99 |
| Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick | This highlighter stick is perfect for creating a dewy, radiant look. It's easy to apply and can be used on your cheeks, eyes, and lips for a multi-dimensional glow. | $25.00 |
| Glossier Haloscope | This highlighter is loved for its unique texture and natural-looking finish. The outer ring of the stick is infused with crystal extracts for an extra glowy effect. | $22.00 |
If you're looking for a more subtle highlight, you can also try using a pot highlighter as a base under your powder or liquid highlighter. This will create a more natural-looking glow that still packs a punch.
Overall, if you're someone who likes to use their fingers to apply makeup, a pot highlighter is definitely worth trying. With their creamy texture and easy application, they're sure to become a staple in your makeup routine.
Multi-Use Highlighters
If you're all about getting the most out of your beauty products, multi-use highlighters are perfect for you. These versatile highlights can be used on various parts of your face, giving you more bang for your buck.
One type of multi-use highlighter on the market is liquid multi-use highlighters. These are perfect for adding a beautiful, shimmery effect to your cheekbones, brow bones, and even your cupid's bow. They can also be used as a brightening eyeshadow base or as a lip topper for a high-shine finish.
Powder multi-use highlighters are another great option. These can be used to highlight various areas of your face, such as your cheekbones, temples, and the bridge of your nose. They can also be used as eyeshadows or even as a lip topper for a metallic finish.
If you're still not convinced, consider the convenience and practicality of multi-use highlighters. They're perfect for when you're on-the-go and don't have time to carry around a bulky makeup bag.
If you're not sure where to start, check out some of the best multi-use highlighters on the market. Some popular options include the RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, which can be used on your cheeks, eyes, and lips for a natural, dewy glow. Another great choice is the Nars The Multiple, which comes in various shades and can be used to highlight and contour various parts of your face.
So if you're all about practicality and versatility, multi-use highlighters are definitely worth investing in. They offer endless possibilities for creating a glowing, luminous finish on your entire face.
Liquid Multi-Use Highlighters
Liquid multi-use highlighters are perfect for achieving a dewy, radiant look on multiple areas of your face. These versatile highlighters can be applied to your cheekbones, brow bones, cupid's bow, and even your eyelids and lips for a shimmery effect all over.
One of the best liquid multi-use highlighters on the market is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector. It comes in several shades to suit different skin tones, and its lightweight formula blends seamlessly onto the skin for a natural-looking glow. This highlighter can be applied with a brush or blended out with your fingers and can be worn alone or mixed in with your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over glow.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be used on multiple areas of the face | May not be suitable for those with very oily skin |
| Blends easily onto the skin | Can be a bit pricey compared to other liquid highlighters |
| Comes in multiple shades to suit different skin tones |
Another great liquid multi-use highlighter is the Milk Makeup Highlighter. This highlighter comes in a convenient stick form, making it easy to apply on the go. It can be used on your cheekbones, brow bones, and even your collarbone and shoulders for an all-over glow. The formula is infused with mango butter and avocado oil to hydrate the skin, and it comes in several shades to suit different skin tones.
- Pros:
- Easy to apply with the stick form
- Can be used on multiple areas of the body
- Comes in multiple shades to suit different skin tones
- Cons:
- May not last as long as other liquid highlighters
- May not be suitable for those with very oily skin
Overall, liquid multi-use highlighters are a great addition to any makeup collection. They're versatile, easy to use, and can be applied to multiple areas of the face and body for a shimmery, radiant effect.
Powder Multi-Use Highlighters
If you're a fan of powder products and love a multi-use product that can be used all over your face, eyes, and lips, then powder multi-use highlighters are perfect for you! These highlighters come in a variety of shades and formulations, making them a versatile addition to your makeup collection.
One of our top picks is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter. This highlighter is available in a wide range of shades, from light to deep and warm to cool tones, so you're sure to find a shade that complements your skin tone. It can be applied all over your face for a subtle glow or built up for a more intense highlight.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, try the NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Highlighting Palette. This palette contains six different powder shades that can be used as highlighters, eyeshadows, or blushes. The shades range from subtle champagne to bold bronze, making it a great all-in-one product for travel or on-the-go touch-ups.
Another great powder multi-use highlighter is the Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter Palette. This palette contains four shades that can be used to highlight and contour your face, as well as add shimmer and dimension to your eyes and lips. The powders are highly pigmented and blendable, making them easy to use for both beginners and experienced makeup users.
If you prefer a more natural-looking highlight, try the Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer. This powder can be used to contour your face, add warmth to your complexion, or used as a subtle highlight. It's available in three shades and has a buildable formula, making it easy to achieve the look you want.
No matter what your budget or preferences are, powder multi-use highlighters are a great addition to any makeup collection. Try out a few different shades and formulations to find the perfect match for your skin tone and desired look.
